This week on Heavy Lifts, Ricardo Antúnez shares his journey from Honduras to Salem, the risks he’s taken as a restaurateur, and why creating space around the table can transform a city

Plus, Xicha Brewing Fest is this Saturday! 

🎧 Full episode out now!

🏗️ Heavy Lifts: For those who see opportunity and embrace the risk to build it.

In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Ricardo Antúnez, chef, entrepreneur, and the heart behind some of Salem’s most loved dining experiences.Ricardo shares his journey from growing up in Honduras to building a culinary career and community presence in Salem. He opens up about the risks, the hustle, and the deep pride he carries for creating spaces where food brings people together. From kitchens to community impact, this conversation is filled with lessons on resilience, creativity, and what it truly means to build where you live.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Ricardo’s journey from Honduras to Salem- The risks and rewards of running restaurants and food ventures- How food creates space for community and connection- The realities of entrepreneurship in Salem- Why passion and perseverance fuel long-term success🎧 New Heavy Lifts episodes drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.🏗️ Heavy Lifts: For those who see opportunity and embrace the risk to build it.

In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and special guest co-host, Brittany Randall, sit down with Chris Blackburn, a longtime developer, entrepreneur, and community builder in Salem with a track record of tackling tough projects and seeing them through.Chris shares the story of his path into real estate and development, why he believes in tackling projects others might pass on, and how perseverance (plus a little risk) can reshape a city. From the ups and downs of building downtown to his philosophy on community investment, Chris offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transform empty spaces into thriving places.Whether you’re curious about real estate, love seeing Salem grow, or want to hear from someone who’s been in the trenches of building community, this episode brings insights, laughs, and inspiration.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Chris’s journey into development and entrepreneurship- The risks and rewards of tackling challenging projects- Lessons learned from years of building in Salem- Why community investment matters as much as financial returns- Stories behind some of Salem’s most impactful spaces🎧 New Heavy Lifts episodes drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.🏗️ Heavy Lifts: For those who see opportunity and embrace the risk to build it.#HeavyLiftsPodcast #BuildWhereYouLive #DowntownSalem #CommunityBuilders #urbanrevival

In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Jesse Peone, President of the Salem Business Journal, to talk about the power of storytelling, business leadership, and building momentum in Salem.

From juggling community roles to balancing family life, Jesse shares how local journalism can spotlight the people and ideas moving Salem forward. He opens up about the challenges of running a business publication in a rapidly changing media landscape and why celebrating local successes is crucial for a thriving city.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, civic leader, or just someone who loves seeing their city grow, this episode is packed with perspective, humor, and practical wisdom.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

- Jesse’s path to leading the Salem Business Journal- How media can shape the identity of a city

- The balancing act between family, business, and community

- Lessons in leadership from the world of local journalism

- Why positive storytelling matters for Salem’s future

🎧 New Heavy Lifts episodes drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.

📍 Heavy Lifts is for people who see what could be and are willing to make it real.

#HeavyLiftsPodcast #BuildWhereYouLive #DowntownSalem

In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Cecilia Ritter, owner of Wild Pear, longtime downtown Salem business leader, and community builder with a gift for mixing warmth, grit, and vision.Cecilia shares her journey of running a beloved local restaurant, the challenges of navigating downtown Salem’s ups and downs, and the joy of seeing community come alive around food and shared spaces. From the behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship to the philosophy of giving back where you live, this episode dives into the real story of building a business and a community at the same time.We talk about what it means to stick it out downtown, why hospitality is more than just food on a plate, and how Salem’s small businesses can shape the future of the city.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Cecilia’s journey building Wild Pear and growing roots in Salem- The realities (and rewards) of running a business downtown- Why community building starts with generosity and hospitality- The role of small businesses in Salem’s revitalization- Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship and leadership🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.📍 Heavy Lifts is for people who see what could be and are willing to make it real.

In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Britany Randall, creative entrepreneur, event planner, and one of the driving forces behind some of Salem’s most vibrant gatherings.

From her early career in design to running large-scale events, Britany shares how she blends creativity, logistics, and community spirit to make big ideas come to life. She talks about the lessons learned in taking risks, the value of saying yes before you feel ready, and why Salem is brimming with untapped potential for events and experiences that bring people together.

We dive into the behind-the-scenes of planning unforgettable events, the power of collaboration, and how Britany balances bold vision with practical execution. Whether you’re a creative, a business owner, or someone who just loves seeing their community come alive, this conversation is full of insights and inspiration.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Britany’s journey from creative design to event production

• How to turn ambitious ideas into real, successful experiences

• The role of collaboration in making Salem’s downtown thrive

• Why “just start” might be the best advice you’ll ever take

• How local events can shape the identity of a city

🎧 New episodes of Heavy Lifts drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.

📍 Heavy Lifts is for people who see what could be and are willing to make it real.

From childhood rocket launches to championing major revitalization projects, TJ Sullivan has always aimed high for Salem.

In this episode, hosts Nat Borchers and AJ Nash talk with TJ about what it really means to build where you live , and why local vision is the key to lasting change.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How TJ’s roots in Salem shaped his career in development and public service

• Why local investment beats flashy outside projects every time

• Stories from his time on Salem City Council: the wins, the fights, and the lessons

• The case for cleaning, lighting, and activating downtown to change perceptions

• How community members can get involved right now to make Salem magical again

🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube & Spotify.

📍 Heavy Lifts is for people who see what could be and are willing to make it real.

#HeavyLiftsPodcast #BuildWhereYouLive #DowntownSalem #CommunityBuilders #urbanrevival

In this episode of Heavy Lifts Podcast, hosts Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Patrick Carney and Kelly McDonald, two investors who never planned to buy a mall, yet found themselves at the helm of Salem Center Mall, including the former Nordstrom building.

From unexpected real estate deals and pandemic fallout, to creative redevelopment ideas and downtown revitalization, this conversation explores the messy, risky, and inspiring side of investing in a city’s future.

They talk about how the deal came together “by accident,” what it means to be value buyers, and how they navigated massive uncertainty during COVID-19, all while staying committed to helping rebuild the heart of Salem.

In this episode:
• How a failed contract led to a major opportunity

• What “value buying” really means in real estate• How the pandemic reshaped their plans

• Behind-the-scenes of transforming Salem Center

• Trust, partnerships, and local impact

Heavy Lifts is for those who see what could be, and are willing to risk it all to make it real.

Charles Weathers isn’t just investing in real estate—he’s investing in the heart of Salem.
In this episode, we talk with Charles about how local knowledge, bold decisions, and a deep connection to community have shaped his approach to revitalizing Downtown Salem.

From food pods and escape rooms to historic restorations and housing projects, Charles shares the risks he’s taken, the lessons he’s learned, and the future he envisions for the city he calls home.

Whether you're passionate about urban development, curious about real estate, or simply love a good story about taking risks for something bigger than yourself—this conversation is for you.

Salem investors/entrepreneurs Nat Borchers and AJ Nash talk about their biggest investments, that may change Salem OR forever.